A ROMANIAN asylum seeker who has been living in Nelson for 10 months has seen his art work go on display for the first time.

John Sarti, 51, from Transylvania, has produced an unusual collection of around 300 collages made out of rubbish and junk mail -- the only materials he did not have to pay for.

His exhibition is on display in the upstairs gallery at Nelson Library until the end of this month.

It includes images of global warming and political oppression made up of cuttings from free magazines and leaflets.

John said: "I have chosen collage as the simplest form of art I can create in my situation as I have no money for materials.

"I was learning sculpture and graphics but I like collage more and I express myself through it. It is my big passion. People are throwing away litter and I save it and use it."